European Parliament
There are 2 committees dealing specifically with matters concerning competition policy and consumer welfare:
European Parliament ECON committee (economic and monetary effects)
European Parliament IMCO committee (internal market and consumer protection) (economic and monetary effects)
European Council
Together with the European Parliament, the Council is where EU laws on consumer protection and competition law are approved.
For competition matters, the relevant ministers from each EU country meet in what is called the "Competitiveness Council".
European Commission
Ensures the correct application of EU rules.
It has two functions:
Monitoring
Blocking: Anticompetitive agreements (and hardcore cartels in particular), abuses by companies of dominant market positions, mergers and acquisitions and government support
To do this, the Commission has a wide range of inspection and enforcement powers. Governments also have a duty to notify in advance any planned support for business (state aid).
European Court of Justice
Ensures uniform interpretation and application of competition law across the EU.
Competition cases are now heard by the EU’s General Court.
National courts can (and sometimes must) refer cases to the Court of Justice for clarification on how EU competition law is to be interpreted on a specific issue.
It is consulted regularly on all competition issues related to the financial sector.
Central Bank
Controls the proper collection and legal spending of the EU budget on EU policies.
Court of auditors
It has the authority to review fines imposed on companies found liable for anti-competitive behaviour in cases brought by the Commission.
The money paid in fines goes back into the EU budget.